One hundred years after opening its doors, one of downtown Huntsville’s most recognizable landmarks is preparing for an exciting new chapter.
During the Huntsville Times Building’s 100th Anniversary Block Party, community members gathered to celebrate the building’s rich history while getting a first look at what’s ahead. As part of the celebration, two new locally owned dining concepts were announced, adding to the continued revitalization of one of Huntsville’s most iconic buildings.
A New Pizza Concept from The Mercado Group
The Mercado Group, the local team behind favorites including The Standard Social Market, Del Chuco: Cocina y Cantina, The Local, Chuco Underground, and Jefferson Alley, announced plans to open a brand-new pizza concept inside the former Razzo Pizzeria space.
While the restaurant’s name and opening date have not yet been revealed, the concept will add another locally owned dining destination to downtown Huntsville. The Mercado Group has become known for creating unique restaurants that blend great food with memorable gathering spaces, and this newest addition will continue that tradition.
Location:
222 Holmes Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
Elysium: Greek Cuisine & Handcrafted Cocktails
Also unveiled during the anniversary celebration was Elysium, a new Greek-inspired cocktail lounge from local couple Harsh and Riya Patel.
Inspired by the couple’s love story and travels throughout Greece, Elysium will offer an intimate cocktail lounge experience featuring handcrafted cocktails, authentic Greek-inspired small plates, and immersive cocktail classes. Rather than operating as a traditional full-service restaurant, the concept is designed as a place to gather with friends over drinks and shareable dishes in a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.
Location:
220 Holmes Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
Elysium will be located in the former Catch 25 space within the Huntsville Times Building. Elysium will breathe new life into the location with a completely new concept centered around Greek-inspired cocktails, small plates, and memorable experiences.
P.S/ If you’ve been around Huntsville for a while, you may recognize the combined spaces as the former Below the Radar Brewing Company. The original space was split and now houses separate restaurants.
A Century of History, A Future Full of Possibilities
Originally opening in 1926, the Huntsville Times Building has been part of downtown Huntsville’s story for 100 years. Throughout the decades, the landmark has witnessed the city’s remarkable growth while continuing to evolve with each new generation.
The 100th Anniversary Block Party celebrated not only the building’s past but also its future. Visitors enjoyed an afternoon of live music, local vendors, guided tours, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to reflect on the building’s history before learning about the exciting new businesses that will soon call it home.
With a new pizza concept from The Mercado Group and the arrival of Elysium, the Huntsville Times Building continues its transformation into one of downtown’s premier destinations. These locally owned concepts build on the building’s legacy while creating new places for residents and visitors to gather, dine, and make memories for the next 100 years.